Undiagnosed Cancer Cases Spike During COVID-19 Pandemic

A recent study published in Lancet Oncology has revealed that over 55,000 cancer cases went undiagnosed in seven countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. This staggering figure includes thousands of cases in Australia, where diagnostic rates for melanoma and rectum cancers were the hardest hit, trailing predicted figures by 11 and 10 per cent, respectively.

Oncologists are warning of a potential surge in recurrent cancers due to these delayed diagnoses. In Australia, for instance, the number of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at stage 3, which requires more invasive treatment, increased significantly during the pandemic.

Most of these patients had finished their treatment and were now in remission, but experts expect a higher-than-usual number will relapse. Dr Cameron McLaren, a Melbourne oncologist who observed a surge in late diagnoses for bowel cancer between 2022 and 2023, said, "We will see more people with a recurrence of bowel cancer because they presented later."

He added, "We could expect to see multiple waves of recurrent cancers as an echoing effect of the pandemic." The situation is particularly concerning in Australia, where thousands of cancers that should have been detected early were missed during extended lockdowns.

Cheryl Priest is one of the lucky ones. She was diagnosed with pancreatic and lung cancer in 2021 after noticing a jaundiced face in the mirror. A relative's comment about her fake tan prompted her to seek medical help, which ultimately led to her diagnosis.

Her experience highlights the potential consequences of delayed diagnoses. Priest wonders what would have happened if she had not skipped her regular health checks during the pandemic.

She is now in remission after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, but her story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and seeking medical help when needed. The number of cancer diagnoses fell by 4000 for women and 3500 for men between 2020 and the end of 2023 in Victoria, where Priest lives.

Research has shown that people delayed medical checks not only because of lockdowns but also because of fears of overwhelming the health system. Professor Sue Evans, director of the Victorian Cancer Registry, said, "If people are worried about their health or notice any spots or changes other than what is considered normal, they should go to their GP for a check-up."

Luc te Marvelde, head of data analytics at the Victorian Cancer Registry, agreed that there were still 'missing' cases in the community. "We need to address this issue and make sure people are not putting off their medical checks," he said.

Professor Declan Murphy, a urologist at Peter MacCallum and Epworth Healthcare, is treating at least four patients with advanced or incurable cancer who delayed testing during the pandemic. He said, "In a parallel universe, they would have been diagnosed in 2020 or 2021 with a localized cancer that could have benefited from curative treatment like surgery or radiation."

Key Facts:

  • 55,000 cancer cases went undiagnosed in seven countries during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Diagnostic rates for melanoma and rectum cancers were the hardest hit in Australia, trailing predicted figures by 11 and 10 per cent
  • Thousands of cancers that should have been detected early were missed during extended lockdowns in Australia
  • The number of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at stage 3 increased significantly during the pandemic in Australia
  • At least four patients with advanced or incurable cancer in Australia delayed testing during the pandemic

A pull quote from the study highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance: "Ongoing surveillance is essential to determine whether these missing cancer cases were diagnosed later and whether long-term outcomes are affected."

The study, written by the World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer, reveals the scope of the problem. In Australia alone, 3740 cancer cases were missed during the nine-month period studied.

The pandemic's impact on cancer diagnoses is a stark reminder of the importance of regular health checks and timely medical attention. Cheryl Priest's story shows that delayed diagnoses can have severe consequences.

By sharing her experience, Priest hopes to encourage others to prioritize their health. And by doing so, they can ensure that even in the face of adversity, cancer can be detected and treated early, saving countless lives.

In fact, Priest is now in remission after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, a testament to the importance of seeking medical help when needed.

Health experts are calling on people to take control of their health and not delay medical checks. By acting swiftly and seeking medical attention when needed, individuals can prevent the potentially devastating consequences of delayed diagnoses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on the world, and its effects on cancer diagnoses serve as a stark reminder of the importance of timely medical attention and the devastating consequences of delayed diagnoses.

As the world rebuilds and recovers, one essential lesson we can learn from the pandemic is the importance of prioritizing health and taking control of our well-being.

Cheryl Priest's journey serves as a beacon of hope for those who have faced cancer and its challenges. By sharing her story, she hopes to encourage others to prioritize their health and seek medical attention when needed.

A pull quote from Dr Cameron McLaren highlights the risk of recurrent cancers: "We will see more people with a recurrence of bowel cancer because they presented later."